Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves a process in which the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system.
The substance surrounding and insulating the nerve fibres is called MYELIN.
MS damages the myelin and the nerve fibres. This leads to altered conduction of messages in the nervous system. The damaged areas heal with scar tissue – creating multiple areas of scarring/sclerosis.
Multiple sclerosis causess a variety of symptoms in patients and the type of symptoms as well as the severity of these symptoms will differ greatly between different patients.
It is suspected that MS is triggered by
- Genes
- Immune abnormalities
- Environmental factors
What will I experience if I have MS?
The course of the disease differs from person to person. Most patients will experience some of the following:
- Fatigue
- Difficulty with walking
- Numbness or Tingling
- Spasticity
- Weakness
- Vision Problems
- Dizziness
- Bladder dysfunction
- Bowel Problems
- Constipation
- Leakage of stool/urine
- Pain
- Cognitive Changes
- Emotional Changes
- Depression
How my physiotherapist helps me
Physiotherapy can play an integral role in the rehabilitation of MS. Physical therapists can evaluate function and suggest exercises to improve mobility, decrease spasticity, strengthen weak muscles, treat pain, teach stress relief techniques and relaxation strategies, and evaluate patients for assistive devices to help patients #regain #independence. Many patients benefit from home exercise programs as well as regular out patient visits.
Did you know?
- 30 May is World MS awareness day.
- MS can progress in 4 different ways.
- MS is diagnosed by means of a brain scan.
- Exercise, diet and medication are treatment options.
- Many people with MS live full lives.
For more information on Multiple Sclerosis please visit this website.
#regainindependance
#physiotherapy
#rehabilitationmatters